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Irons and Works #6
Scarification
Missing his dominant hand and half his face covered in scars, Miguel Ruiz can kiss his dreams of a happy future goodbye. He resigns himself to a life of servitude in a badly run club until one day, a tattoo artist in a random bar sees both talent and a future in the scarred artist. He makes an offer Miguel would be a fool to turn down, and Miguel decides it’s finally time to start living for himself, even with the ten tons of baggage he’s carrying on his shoulders.
If anyone in the world can understand secrets, it’s Amit Baqri. Growing up bisexual, Deaf, and femme in a conservative Muslim family, Amit keeps his true self close to his chest. He’s spent most of his life conforming to others from the way he communicates to the way he presents himself to others, but the weight of it all is starting to crush him. He understands his familial obligations—taking care of his mother is his top priority, and his sisters are second. But when Amit sets eyes on the gorgeous tattoo artist with one hand and a waterfall of scars, his life is suddenly turned upside down.
Will Amit and Miguel find a way to shed the weight of their pasts to be happy together, or will assumptions and expectations leave them forever trapped in a closet of their own making?
Scarification is the sixth and final book of the Irons and Works series, and contains no cheating with an HEA.
If anyone in the world can understand secrets, it’s Amit Baqri. Growing up bisexual, Deaf, and femme in a conservative Muslim family, Amit keeps his true self close to his chest. He’s spent most of his life conforming to others from the way he communicates to the way he presents himself to others, but the weight of it all is starting to crush him. He understands his familial obligations—taking care of his mother is his top priority, and his sisters are second. But when Amit sets eyes on the gorgeous tattoo artist with one hand and a waterfall of scars, his life is suddenly turned upside down.
Will Amit and Miguel find a way to shed the weight of their pasts to be happy together, or will assumptions and expectations leave them forever trapped in a closet of their own making?
Scarification is the sixth and final book of the Irons and Works series, and contains no cheating with an HEA.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2019
339 people are currently reading
656 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
143 books1,375 followersE.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
August 15, 2025
Give me a pretty boy in lace panties, and I'm a happy camper.
I know said the couple in the previous book was my favourite of the series, but Amit and Miguel just took that title.
I adored this one.
I know said the couple in the previous book was my favourite of the series, but Amit and Miguel just took that title.
I adored this one.
September 15, 2025
Missing his dominant hand and half his face covered in scars, Miguel Ruiz can kiss his dreams of a happy future goodbye. He resigns himself to a life of servitude in a badly run club until one day, a tattoo artist in a random bar sees both talent and a future in the scarred artist. He makes an offer Miguel would be a fool to turn down, and Miguel decides it’s finally time to start living for himself, even with the ten tons of baggage he’s carrying on his shoulders.
I have really loved every one of the Iron and Works books, so this one was no different and will get a big shinny 5-star rating. We didn't know much about Miguel as we barely meet him in book #5. You can't help but love him right from the start, and hope that he gets the happy ending he so deserves. Amit was his perfect match. Amit's journey to self-acceptance was beautiful. When he finally talks to his family about who he is there'll be a tear of two.
One thing that always impresses me about this author's books is how much the reader will learn about physical disabilities, mental health issues, and cultural traditions and differences. Her characters are some of the most diverse that I have ever read, and I believe that it's wonderful that she brings these uniquely special people not only to their "happy ever after's" but also is giving her readers a better and more compassionate understanding of physical disabilities.
One more book in this series to go. The Irons and Works series has been nothing short of wonderful! I am happy that I own it all, and it will always get 5 big bright, shiny stars no matter how many times I reread it.
I have really loved every one of the Iron and Works books, so this one was no different and will get a big shinny 5-star rating. We didn't know much about Miguel as we barely meet him in book #5. You can't help but love him right from the start, and hope that he gets the happy ending he so deserves. Amit was his perfect match. Amit's journey to self-acceptance was beautiful. When he finally talks to his family about who he is there'll be a tear of two.
One thing that always impresses me about this author's books is how much the reader will learn about physical disabilities, mental health issues, and cultural traditions and differences. Her characters are some of the most diverse that I have ever read, and I believe that it's wonderful that she brings these uniquely special people not only to their "happy ever after's" but also is giving her readers a better and more compassionate understanding of physical disabilities.
One more book in this series to go. The Irons and Works series has been nothing short of wonderful! I am happy that I own it all, and it will always get 5 big bright, shiny stars no matter how many times I reread it.
February 4, 2022
Darum geht’s:
Amit hat sein Studium aufgegeben, um sich um seine kranke Mutter zu kümmern. Der Job hinter der Bar bringt nicht viel Geld. Und seine traditionsbewusste Familie lässt ihn für sich behalten, dass er auf Männer – und auf Spitzenwäsche – steht. Als er den neuen Tätowierer Miguel kennenlernt, wird der Drang, sich zu outen, immer stärker, denn Miguel fasziniert Amit. Dabei hält Miguel selbst nicht viel von sich. Er meint, er wäre ein unnützigen Versager, denn das hat man ihm früher ständig signalisiert. Dass er bei einem Brand Teile seiner dominanten Hand verloren hat und sein Gesicht deutliche Brandnarben aufweist, stärkt sein Selbstbewusstsein auch nicht gerade.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
Amit hat sein Studium aufgegeben, um sich um seine kranke Mutter zu kümmern. Der Job hinter der Bar bringt nicht viel Geld. Und seine traditionsbewusste Familie lässt ihn für sich behalten, dass er auf Männer – und auf Spitzenwäsche – steht. Als er den neuen Tätowierer Miguel kennenlernt, wird der Drang, sich zu outen, immer stärker, denn Miguel fasziniert Amit. Dabei hält Miguel selbst nicht viel von sich. Er meint, er wäre ein unnützigen Versager, denn das hat man ihm früher ständig signalisiert. Dass er bei einem Brand Teile seiner dominanten Hand verloren hat und sein Gesicht deutliche Brandnarben aufweist, stärkt sein Selbstbewusstsein auch nicht gerade.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
March 3, 2023
I'm finding a running theme with this series and it's starting to get old. All the main characters are likable/loveable and strong characters in others books. Then when they get their book, they turn into often times rude, unlikeable, and drama-filled characters. Oh let us not forget that both characters have crappy families and then it turns out the only family they have are employees of Irons and Works. I mean can we change up the plot from book to book, please?!?!?! It's the same thing in every book just with a different character and a different disability.
I guess this is what I get for binge-reading this series because I'm starting to see all the similarities and unoriginality. You can tell the author isn't all that well versed in all these disabilities either because everything is kept very surface level. I'm starting to be over it.
I guess this is what I get for binge-reading this series because I'm starting to see all the similarities and unoriginality. You can tell the author isn't all that well versed in all these disabilities either because everything is kept very surface level. I'm starting to be over it.
November 7, 2019
4 stars!
I didn’t realise until the end that this is the end of this series! 😱 I fully expected it to keep going because, there’s new people!! But apparently there’ll be a spin-off series. So, yay! 🤩
I love this series with all the unconventional MCs, where having a disability is celebrated and seen as merely different, not abnormal. I appreciate books where the MCs aren’t perfect, be it physical or psychological. On the one hand, it gives me insight into the lives of people dealing with various imperfections and on the other hand, it definitely adds another layer to the story.
So Amit is Deaf and Miguel is scarred and has physical disabilities. It’s a bit of an insta-love situation. I wish they had a better backstory of how they fell in love because it was a bit of a stretch, at least to me. That’s the only gripe I had about this story. I just didn’t really feel their connection 🤷🏻♀️ which also means I wasn’t really emotionally invested in them.
For the penultimate book in the series, I wish the plot line was more solid. Or at least the execution of the falling in live portion....🙊
Either way, this series has been awesome. I’m truly sad to leave it behind even though there’s a spin-off series coming soon. I don’t know if we’ll see much of this original cast though and perhaps that’s why I’m reluctant to say goodbye ☹️
Huge thanks to the author for such an incredible series. I definitely looked forward to each book 🥰
I didn’t realise until the end that this is the end of this series! 😱 I fully expected it to keep going because, there’s new people!! But apparently there’ll be a spin-off series. So, yay! 🤩
I love this series with all the unconventional MCs, where having a disability is celebrated and seen as merely different, not abnormal. I appreciate books where the MCs aren’t perfect, be it physical or psychological. On the one hand, it gives me insight into the lives of people dealing with various imperfections and on the other hand, it definitely adds another layer to the story.
So Amit is Deaf and Miguel is scarred and has physical disabilities. It’s a bit of an insta-love situation. I wish they had a better backstory of how they fell in love because it was a bit of a stretch, at least to me. That’s the only gripe I had about this story. I just didn’t really feel their connection 🤷🏻♀️ which also means I wasn’t really emotionally invested in them.
For the penultimate book in the series, I wish the plot line was more solid. Or at least the execution of the falling in live portion....🙊
Either way, this series has been awesome. I’m truly sad to leave it behind even though there’s a spin-off series coming soon. I don’t know if we’ll see much of this original cast though and perhaps that’s why I’m reluctant to say goodbye ☹️
Huge thanks to the author for such an incredible series. I definitely looked forward to each book 🥰
Read
April 22, 2021*1.5 stars*
February 25, 2024
DNF @ 42%
Skimmed.
I can safely say the books by this author feel very same-y. Having recently finished the previous one in the series and then this one it’s impossible to deny that it just feels like a slight re-skin to the characters, just give them a different disability and it’s basically the same.
Previous MCs- Wyatt, spoke French Canadian to Mat. Wyatt has a shitty family situation. Mat got recruited to be a tattoo artist. Mat had a FWB thing with Ruby, slept together whenever either of them wanted to ‘scratch an itch’
Current MCs - Miguel speaks Spanish to Amit. Miguel had a shitty dad, Amit hides his true self from his family because he’s Muslim. Amit also slept with Ruby from time to time because she was ‘ a good romp’. Miguel got recruited and ended up at the same tattoo shop.
There’s probably a whole lot more commonalities that I didn’t pay too much attention to because I was skimming a lot.
The story starts off with Miguel hooking up with some random dude named Kyle at a club, it’s on-page, not super detailed but detailed enough that I started to think that Kyle was going to be the love Interest and I went back to double check the blurb to see that the LI’s name was Amit not Kyle. Apparently Kyle is a villain because he only hooked up with Miguel because he had a bet going with his boyfriend. Miguel then goes home to his shitty dad who tells him to go fuck some chick in his room, they have sex, it’s kinda simplified and vague and Miguel is trying to imagine a man - I was hoping there would be a mention of condom use but there wasn’t and I’m not sure if there was with Kyle either since I skimmed past their hook up.
On-page sex with others usually is a straight to DNF for me so I don’t even know why I kept trying to read it. Thankfully after a couple of chapters there’s a clear timeline that it had been over 2 years since the Kyle incident and Miguel has avoided being vulnerable with anyone since then.
When we’re in Amit’s POV it’s lust-at first sight and we get a very detailed piece of info on one of his past lovers which felt so unnecessary;“ Over three weeks, Todd had fingered him, blew him, then fucked him twice and never called him back” Then some info on the next lover, Kevin, who understood him like no one else ever had. But- “Kevin hadn’t made Amit feel like this. Hadn’t made his skin burn, hadn’t made him feel like part of his body had been carved away the moment Miguel took this hand back. Todd had been like that. Burning hot and hysterical passion, and Amit hadn’t realized how much he was missing it until it was back” Y’all, Miguel touched him because he’s gonna tattoo him, they’re already half way in love from one touch and a conversation which includes picking out the tattoo.
They have another interaction where Miguel runs into Amit at the grocery store. Amit is looking at make up and pretends like it’s not for him but Miguel knows and when Amit bends down to pick out some polish from the bottom shelf Miguel gets a glimpse of his panties and he goes home and jerks off to thoughts of him.
That’s it, they don’t hang out, don’t text/call/have conversations but somehow they’re sooooooo smitten with each other, their 3rd interaction is them hooking up at the club where Amit goes home with Miguel and that’s where I’m calling it quits.
There's a lot of time spent individually dealing with their own shit instead of interacting with each other.
I have a soft spot for MCs who are often overlooked by romantic partners because they have a mental/physical disability especially when they are paired with someone who builds them up and makes them feel cherished and appreciated despite their differences which leads to great hurt/comfort - but with this author it seems it’s always two wounded souls with a lot of baggage coming together and it starts to feel too heavy and dreary, instead of getting a romantic story I feel like I’m getting told about two people and their individual struggles going about their days, sprinkle in lil stories about how the previous MCs got together, add in sex and that’s pretty much it. I think I’ve given this author more than enough tries and I have to just officially call that they’re not a good match for my tastes. 😬
Skimmed.
I can safely say the books by this author feel very same-y. Having recently finished the previous one in the series and then this one it’s impossible to deny that it just feels like a slight re-skin to the characters, just give them a different disability and it’s basically the same.
Previous MCs- Wyatt, spoke French Canadian to Mat. Wyatt has a shitty family situation. Mat got recruited to be a tattoo artist. Mat had a FWB thing with Ruby, slept together whenever either of them wanted to ‘scratch an itch’
Current MCs - Miguel speaks Spanish to Amit. Miguel had a shitty dad, Amit hides his true self from his family because he’s Muslim. Amit also slept with Ruby from time to time because she was ‘ a good romp’. Miguel got recruited and ended up at the same tattoo shop.
There’s probably a whole lot more commonalities that I didn’t pay too much attention to because I was skimming a lot.
The story starts off with Miguel hooking up with some random dude named Kyle at a club, it’s on-page, not super detailed but detailed enough that I started to think that Kyle was going to be the love Interest and I went back to double check the blurb to see that the LI’s name was Amit not Kyle. Apparently Kyle is a villain because he only hooked up with Miguel because he had a bet going with his boyfriend. Miguel then goes home to his shitty dad who tells him to go fuck some chick in his room, they have sex, it’s kinda simplified and vague and Miguel is trying to imagine a man - I was hoping there would be a mention of condom use but there wasn’t and I’m not sure if there was with Kyle either since I skimmed past their hook up.
On-page sex with others usually is a straight to DNF for me so I don’t even know why I kept trying to read it. Thankfully after a couple of chapters there’s a clear timeline that it had been over 2 years since the Kyle incident and Miguel has avoided being vulnerable with anyone since then.
When we’re in Amit’s POV it’s lust-at first sight and we get a very detailed piece of info on one of his past lovers which felt so unnecessary;“ Over three weeks, Todd had fingered him, blew him, then fucked him twice and never called him back” Then some info on the next lover, Kevin, who understood him like no one else ever had. But- “Kevin hadn’t made Amit feel like this. Hadn’t made his skin burn, hadn’t made him feel like part of his body had been carved away the moment Miguel took this hand back. Todd had been like that. Burning hot and hysterical passion, and Amit hadn’t realized how much he was missing it until it was back” Y’all, Miguel touched him because he’s gonna tattoo him, they’re already half way in love from one touch and a conversation which includes picking out the tattoo.
They have another interaction where Miguel runs into Amit at the grocery store. Amit is looking at make up and pretends like it’s not for him but Miguel knows and when Amit bends down to pick out some polish from the bottom shelf Miguel gets a glimpse of his panties and he goes home and jerks off to thoughts of him.
That’s it, they don’t hang out, don’t text/call/have conversations but somehow they’re sooooooo smitten with each other, their 3rd interaction is them hooking up at the club where Amit goes home with Miguel and that’s where I’m calling it quits.
There's a lot of time spent individually dealing with their own shit instead of interacting with each other.
I have a soft spot for MCs who are often overlooked by romantic partners because they have a mental/physical disability especially when they are paired with someone who builds them up and makes them feel cherished and appreciated despite their differences which leads to great hurt/comfort - but with this author it seems it’s always two wounded souls with a lot of baggage coming together and it starts to feel too heavy and dreary, instead of getting a romantic story I feel like I’m getting told about two people and their individual struggles going about their days, sprinkle in lil stories about how the previous MCs got together, add in sex and that’s pretty much it. I think I’ve given this author more than enough tries and I have to just officially call that they’re not a good match for my tastes. 😬
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2019
My range of thoughts and emotions while reading this book:
2% in - It would appear the scent of onions is in the air. A thin film of water has formed in my eyes.
14% in - heart is breaking, send wine.
24% in - mercury rising!
36% in - the feels! Argh
69% in - attempting to pick up jaw from floor.
75% in - Tony! WTF?
84% in - Oh hell NO!
86% in - Soren friending Miguel = all the feels.
93% in - Holy hotness make-up sex. Pun intended.
I loved Amit and Miguel’s story. It was beautifully nuanced, carried with it all the beauty and ugliness that is family, both biological and chosen, and as always addressed the complexities of manoeuvring in society when you have hindrances.
There were a lot of beautiful moments and a lot of ugly ones. The biggest stand out moments came courtesy of Aminah, Amit’s sister. She was so toxically vile that it was helpful in resolving some toxic people issues in my own life. It sort of held up a mirror as to what you should or shouldn’t have to accept from family or friends. I love books that I learn or grow from.
It was a close thing to me when it seemed like the book was gearing for a “big misunderstanding” but it never quite went there. Crossed wires happen, that I could live with. The overprotective meddling friends? I don’t know. I’m still struggling to reconcile that.
All told, the way Miguel’s disfigurement and Amit’s Deafness were handled was great. Amit’s coming out however, that was masterful, and carried with it some much needed hilarity.
This was a stellar end to a great series. I look forward to the upcoming series.
Voluntary ARC review.
2% in - It would appear the scent of onions is in the air. A thin film of water has formed in my eyes.
14% in - heart is breaking, send wine.
24% in - mercury rising!
36% in - the feels! Argh
69% in - attempting to pick up jaw from floor.
75% in - Tony! WTF?
84% in - Oh hell NO!
86% in - Soren friending Miguel = all the feels.
93% in - Holy hotness make-up sex. Pun intended.
I loved Amit and Miguel’s story. It was beautifully nuanced, carried with it all the beauty and ugliness that is family, both biological and chosen, and as always addressed the complexities of manoeuvring in society when you have hindrances.
There were a lot of beautiful moments and a lot of ugly ones. The biggest stand out moments came courtesy of Aminah, Amit’s sister. She was so toxically vile that it was helpful in resolving some toxic people issues in my own life. It sort of held up a mirror as to what you should or shouldn’t have to accept from family or friends. I love books that I learn or grow from.
It was a close thing to me when it seemed like the book was gearing for a “big misunderstanding” but it never quite went there. Crossed wires happen, that I could live with. The overprotective meddling friends? I don’t know. I’m still struggling to reconcile that.
All told, the way Miguel’s disfigurement and Amit’s Deafness were handled was great. Amit’s coming out however, that was masterful, and carried with it some much needed hilarity.
This was a stellar end to a great series. I look forward to the upcoming series.
Voluntary ARC review.
April 12, 2020
4.5 stars
I really liked this. It was great to see all the other characters again. There were some tough moments in here for sure I love the way this author creates realistic characters, they don't always make the best decisions, they have family issues, personal issues, but love each other and are great friends to one another. Will continue to read from this author.
I really liked this. It was great to see all the other characters again. There were some tough moments in here for sure I love the way this author creates realistic characters, they don't always make the best decisions, they have family issues, personal issues, but love each other and are great friends to one another. Will continue to read from this author.
July 13, 2024
Scarification was such a good book! I loved that we finally got to see more of Amit. He’s been one of my favorite side characters from this series! I also really loved that Miguel and Amit were so into each other from the very beginning, even when they thought they didn’t deserve each other. Another thing that I really liked about this book was the complicated family dynamics that both Miguel and Amit had. It was messy and complicated and real. I really loved that this was a story about two people trying their best to find themselves while also learning to accept the love they deserve. Scarification is getting five stars, and I can’t wait to read the next one!
September 11, 2020
Hot/Cold. I was looking forward to this one as I enjoyed both characters in the previous installment(s). However, together they ran sort of hot and cold. Several of their obstacles seemed completely avoidable if they were only to communicate better.
Amit was not exactly who I was expecting as we got to know him better. While his preferences were a refreshing revelation, I had a hard time connecting with his subservience to his mother and sisters.
Miguel was a great character, strong yet deeply insecure in many ways due to his past experiences.
Add the cast at the Iron and Works shop, and it gave it a strong, upper 3 stars.
Amit was not exactly who I was expecting as we got to know him better. While his preferences were a refreshing revelation, I had a hard time connecting with his subservience to his mother and sisters.
Miguel was a great character, strong yet deeply insecure in many ways due to his past experiences.
Add the cast at the Iron and Works shop, and it gave it a strong, upper 3 stars.
August 21, 2024
Enjoyed seeing Amit’s story; and seeing the new guy Miguel.
Miguel with his scars. And Amit with hiding his true self from his family. They had good chemistry, both broken but the pieces fit together.
I feel the series is becoming repetitive. Even with taking breaks in between books, all the characters are loveable and even with tough back stories they are likeable and positive. Just the same format over and over but different disabilities.
Miguel with his scars. And Amit with hiding his true self from his family. They had good chemistry, both broken but the pieces fit together.
I feel the series is becoming repetitive. Even with taking breaks in between books, all the characters are loveable and even with tough back stories they are likeable and positive. Just the same format over and over but different disabilities.
July 7, 2020
Wunderschöne Geschichte um zwei Männer, die glauben sie hätten keine Chance auf Glück ... und es dann miteinander finden.
Gegen Ende gibt es einen Twist den die Story in meinen Augen nicht gebraucht hätte, die 5 Sterne bekommt sie trotzdem.
Gegen Ende gibt es einen Twist den die Story in meinen Augen nicht gebraucht hätte, die 5 Sterne bekommt sie trotzdem.
October 30, 2019
This series just keeps getting better and better!
The talent E.M. Lindsey has for tackling the topics of various physical limitations is out of this world! All the characters are brilliant in their own way, but from the very first moment the book was even mentioned, I knew Miguel would be special. And I was sooooo right! I loved everything about him and the development of his emotions!
Best found family series out there and a total must read!
*I read an ARC of this book but the review is 100% honest *
The talent E.M. Lindsey has for tackling the topics of various physical limitations is out of this world! All the characters are brilliant in their own way, but from the very first moment the book was even mentioned, I knew Miguel would be special. And I was sooooo right! I loved everything about him and the development of his emotions!
Best found family series out there and a total must read!
*I read an ARC of this book but the review is 100% honest *
September 25, 2020
I had a lot of problems with this book, kind of all the things that slightly bothered me about the others were even bigger issues in this one. Part of that was because so much of this book happened because it needed to happen for the story to move along and if you are writing that then something went wrong in your story. The two big conflicts were completely ridiculous and manufactured so they would have to break up. They added nothing to the character growth and the whole time I read it I was wondering WTH was going on. Plus, I just really have a problem with the whole way so many of the characters current jobs were treated, we need to stop acting like some jobs are worth more than others, and this series absolutely reinforces that attitude.
The problem is that the author creates compelling characters, but she often doesn't seem to know what to do with them. When that thread gets lost the stories go bad and I stop caring about the characters as much. I did love that Amit's fluidity was presented positively and that he wasn't automatically the receiving partner.
Overall I liked the series it just needs to be examined for some of the underlying beliefs that are present
The problem is that the author creates compelling characters, but she often doesn't seem to know what to do with them. When that thread gets lost the stories go bad and I stop caring about the characters as much. I did love that Amit's fluidity was presented positively and that he wasn't automatically the receiving partner.
Overall I liked the series it just needs to be examined for some of the underlying beliefs that are present
January 20, 2025
Nayeli - per RFS
.
È una storia emotivamente molto intensa tra due uomini che hanno e stanno soffrendo molto.
Miguel è vittima di un incendio, ha riportato la perdita della mano dominante e con essa l’unica abilità che pensava di avere, il disegno. Non è mai riuscito a essere accettato nel club di motociclisti di suo padre, e quando se ne va è del tutto solo, senza radici o legami. Ma nello studio di tatuaggi Irons and Works riesce a trovare un nido accogliente e una sorta di fratellanza protettiva dove può iniziare a leccarsi le ferite.
Miguel ignorò prontamente il modo in cui il cuore iniziò a battere contro il suo petto e prese la macchinetta. La presa era morbida sotto le sue mani e non era del tutto corretta. Non era mai del tutto giusta. La pratica lo rendeva facile, ma era un costante ricordo di ciò che era. Una perdita. Anche se quella perdita portava una strana, insolita bellezza sulla tela, sulla pelle delle persone che si fidavano di lui.
Amit, parzialmente sordo, ha origini musulmane. Il peso delle tradizioni familiari e delle aspettative è opprimente, eppure fatica a cercare la propria libertà per senso del dovere e per l’affetto che prova per i suoi cari, che non sono mai stati davvero cattivi. Soffre per aver sacrificato l’università e gli obiettivi personali perché responsabile dell’accudimento degli anziani; si sente costretto in uno stereotipo eterosessuale e patriarcale, impossibilitato a mostrare non solo il suo orientamento, ma anche la sua identità fluida.
Ma non ha la forza di scegliere l’esplorazione della propria identità queer rischiando il rifiuto della propria famiglia.
«Non pensavo che mi avresti voluto.» Gli occhi di Miguel si allargarono. «Dici sul serio?» «Sono un disastro,» gli disse Amit. «Ho lasciato la scuola, lavoro come barista, mi prendo cura di mia madre. La mia famiglia… non sa chi sono veramente. Non sanno che sono bisessuale e sicuramente non sanno che sono femme.» Quando il viso di Amit si abbassò, Miguel gli infilò la nocca sotto il mento e gli fece alzare lo sguardo. «Sei sicuro?» Amit si lasciò sfuggire una risata un po’ amara. «Forse lo sanno, ma non lo riconoscono. Vogliono che io sia il figlio perfetto, il musulmano devoto, il capo famiglia etero. Udente,» aggiunse, e la sua voce si abbassò su quell’ultimo punto. «Per loro sono… difettoso.»
Un incontro tra due anime sofferenti, ferite, bisognose di affetto, che non sono molto abituate a essere amate, quindi ad aprirsi e fidarsi, a comunicare, ad accettare di non essere troppo danneggiati per meritare qualcuno. Troviamo anche una discreta dose di passione legata al kink del femme, ma soprattutto tantissimo romanticismo: una storia nel complesso molto commovente e intensa.
«Tu,» iniziò, poi scosse la testa. La sua faccia fece qualcosa di complicato e per un attimo Miguel pensò che fosse arrabbiato. Poi Amit tirò su con il naso, la bocca che tremava un po’, e si gettò tra le sue braccia. «Ehi,» lo tranquillizzò lui, strofinando la mano lungo la spina dorsale di Amit. «Mi dispiace, ho sbagliato?» «No, stupido idiota,» disse Amit con una risata umida. «Come diavolo fai a essere nella mia vita? Come… cazzo.» Si tirò indietro e lo guardò. «Sto imparando ad accettarmi, ad amarmi così come sono, ma non posso mentire, è molto più facile quando anche a te piaccio così.» Miguel gli accarezzò la guancia. «Ti amo così,» disse, con la paura che lo consumava, ma questa volta non lo soffocava. «Ti amo.»
Le sfaccettature caratteriali sono molto ben approfondite. Per quanto feriti e sofferenti, i protagonisti hanno problematiche di diversa natura che devono essere affrontate con un percorso individuale di crescita, lavorando su di esse un passo alla volta. Ho apprezzato che non ci sia una sorta di prevalenza sulla gravità delle ferite fisiche e quelle emotive, perché ciò che importa è quanto una persona avverte il peso e si sente ostacolato dai propri problemi, non quanto essi siano effettivamente limitanti.
Piacevolmente ritrovata la compagnia dei tatuatori della Irons and Works, che riesce a trasmettere un senso di accoglienza, apertura, sostegno, accettazione nelle fragilità e negli handicap, senza compatimento.
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È una storia emotivamente molto intensa tra due uomini che hanno e stanno soffrendo molto.
Miguel è vittima di un incendio, ha riportato la perdita della mano dominante e con essa l’unica abilità che pensava di avere, il disegno. Non è mai riuscito a essere accettato nel club di motociclisti di suo padre, e quando se ne va è del tutto solo, senza radici o legami. Ma nello studio di tatuaggi Irons and Works riesce a trovare un nido accogliente e una sorta di fratellanza protettiva dove può iniziare a leccarsi le ferite.
Miguel ignorò prontamente il modo in cui il cuore iniziò a battere contro il suo petto e prese la macchinetta. La presa era morbida sotto le sue mani e non era del tutto corretta. Non era mai del tutto giusta. La pratica lo rendeva facile, ma era un costante ricordo di ciò che era. Una perdita. Anche se quella perdita portava una strana, insolita bellezza sulla tela, sulla pelle delle persone che si fidavano di lui.
Amit, parzialmente sordo, ha origini musulmane. Il peso delle tradizioni familiari e delle aspettative è opprimente, eppure fatica a cercare la propria libertà per senso del dovere e per l’affetto che prova per i suoi cari, che non sono mai stati davvero cattivi. Soffre per aver sacrificato l’università e gli obiettivi personali perché responsabile dell’accudimento degli anziani; si sente costretto in uno stereotipo eterosessuale e patriarcale, impossibilitato a mostrare non solo il suo orientamento, ma anche la sua identità fluida.
Ma non ha la forza di scegliere l’esplorazione della propria identità queer rischiando il rifiuto della propria famiglia.
«Non pensavo che mi avresti voluto.» Gli occhi di Miguel si allargarono. «Dici sul serio?» «Sono un disastro,» gli disse Amit. «Ho lasciato la scuola, lavoro come barista, mi prendo cura di mia madre. La mia famiglia… non sa chi sono veramente. Non sanno che sono bisessuale e sicuramente non sanno che sono femme.» Quando il viso di Amit si abbassò, Miguel gli infilò la nocca sotto il mento e gli fece alzare lo sguardo. «Sei sicuro?» Amit si lasciò sfuggire una risata un po’ amara. «Forse lo sanno, ma non lo riconoscono. Vogliono che io sia il figlio perfetto, il musulmano devoto, il capo famiglia etero. Udente,» aggiunse, e la sua voce si abbassò su quell’ultimo punto. «Per loro sono… difettoso.»
Un incontro tra due anime sofferenti, ferite, bisognose di affetto, che non sono molto abituate a essere amate, quindi ad aprirsi e fidarsi, a comunicare, ad accettare di non essere troppo danneggiati per meritare qualcuno. Troviamo anche una discreta dose di passione legata al kink del femme, ma soprattutto tantissimo romanticismo: una storia nel complesso molto commovente e intensa.
«Tu,» iniziò, poi scosse la testa. La sua faccia fece qualcosa di complicato e per un attimo Miguel pensò che fosse arrabbiato. Poi Amit tirò su con il naso, la bocca che tremava un po’, e si gettò tra le sue braccia. «Ehi,» lo tranquillizzò lui, strofinando la mano lungo la spina dorsale di Amit. «Mi dispiace, ho sbagliato?» «No, stupido idiota,» disse Amit con una risata umida. «Come diavolo fai a essere nella mia vita? Come… cazzo.» Si tirò indietro e lo guardò. «Sto imparando ad accettarmi, ad amarmi così come sono, ma non posso mentire, è molto più facile quando anche a te piaccio così.» Miguel gli accarezzò la guancia. «Ti amo così,» disse, con la paura che lo consumava, ma questa volta non lo soffocava. «Ti amo.»
Le sfaccettature caratteriali sono molto ben approfondite. Per quanto feriti e sofferenti, i protagonisti hanno problematiche di diversa natura che devono essere affrontate con un percorso individuale di crescita, lavorando su di esse un passo alla volta. Ho apprezzato che non ci sia una sorta di prevalenza sulla gravità delle ferite fisiche e quelle emotive, perché ciò che importa è quanto una persona avverte il peso e si sente ostacolato dai propri problemi, non quanto essi siano effettivamente limitanti.
Piacevolmente ritrovata la compagnia dei tatuatori della Irons and Works, che riesce a trasmettere un senso di accoglienza, apertura, sostegno, accettazione nelle fragilità e negli handicap, senza compatimento.
April 2, 2020
A great start to the book. I was drawn in straightaway into the story. Miguel scars had a effect on him after what happened in the fire and his Dad. Drifting until Martin helps him in the way he thought he'd never go again. His art he loved, comes back into his life. Then he meets Amit, they've got a connection but communication breakdown. I loved the sexy scenes with them especially with the lacy scenes. A few obstacles along the way but a great book. I loved the ending of this, and Soren. The series is one I've loved reading so far.
Miguel 27 had suffered because of a house fire now he lead his life in the Leviathans MCs minus pieces of himself. He needed a new life away from his father, until Martin gave him some direction.
Amit was deaf and looking after his mum but he keeps aside of himself hidden..
Miguel 27 had suffered because of a house fire now he lead his life in the Leviathans MCs minus pieces of himself. He needed a new life away from his father, until Martin gave him some direction.
Amit was deaf and looking after his mum but he keeps aside of himself hidden..
August 9, 2020
This might be my favorite book in the series and isn't that a worthy end! Though I love that there will be a spin off series, because of course there were new interesting side characters introduced again.
I'm not even sure how to explain why I love this so much. There is just something about the writing style and the characters that makes this feel very real to me. Although the odds are often stacked against our MCs on multiple levels, it never feels over the top or too unrealistic to me. There's lots of drama, but never the do or die and the world might end kind - it's always the kind of struggles to iust make a character miserable and I want to hug them and root for their happy ending. It's so rewarding when they get there!
I'm not even sure how to explain why I love this so much. There is just something about the writing style and the characters that makes this feel very real to me. Although the odds are often stacked against our MCs on multiple levels, it never feels over the top or too unrealistic to me. There's lots of drama, but never the do or die and the world might end kind - it's always the kind of struggles to iust make a character miserable and I want to hug them and root for their happy ending. It's so rewarding when they get there!
April 23, 2021
Another book I "forgot" that I read. This one was actually one of the better EM Lindsey works in this series. I loved Amit and Miguel. Their story was just beautiful! I mean, at this point, all the characters in this series are so distinct in my head that I kind of liked them all and this book was kind of like an epilogue of sorts with this whole family pulling themselves together. It was just beautiful! That scene where they kind of hate Amit's guts because he was on a "date" with someone else? That was just so sweet, it killed me!
I loved this series as a whole. Great representation. The nuances of writing disabled people and making the world see what an ugly place it actually it is, is one of Lindsey's hallmarks.
I loved this series as a whole. Great representation. The nuances of writing disabled people and making the world see what an ugly place it actually it is, is one of Lindsey's hallmarks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2022
In Band 6 geht es diesmal um Miguel und Amit. Obwohl sie anfangs wirken wie Tag und Nacht, haben sie viel mehr gemeinsam, als sie glauben. Beide denken aus unterschiedlichen Gründen, sie hätten keine Chance auf Glück und finden es dann miteinander. Doch der Weg zum Happyend ist nicht einfach. Miguel und Amit sind es so gewohnt, auf der Verliererseite zu stehen, dass sie sich zuerst nicht trauen, ihren persönlichen Wünschen nachzugeben. Es ist berührend zu erleben, wie sie ganz langsam die Vergangenheit hinter sich lassen und zu den Männern werden, die sie eigentlich sind.
Mir hat die Entwicklung des Paares gefallen und auch der ganz besondere Zusammenhalt der Männer vom Tattoostudio.
Mir hat die Entwicklung des Paares gefallen und auch der ganz besondere Zusammenhalt der Männer vom Tattoostudio.
November 3, 2019
I was beyond excited to read about Amit's story, he's one of my favorites non-tattoo guys in the Irons & Works world. And I'm sooo happy he finally found someone to be with him, accept him for what he is and that loves him aove anything else!
Just like all the other book, this one has drama and angst; you'll definitely want to punch a few people before the middle of the book. But we also have friendship, acceptance, and love, lots of love.
Elaine wrote a fantastic book! This is a huge 5🌟🌟 from the beginning to the very last sentence. Highly reccomend this one 💚💛🧡❤💙🖤💜
Let the other books come. Can't wait for it!
Just like all the other book, this one has drama and angst; you'll definitely want to punch a few people before the middle of the book. But we also have friendship, acceptance, and love, lots of love.
Elaine wrote a fantastic book! This is a huge 5🌟🌟 from the beginning to the very last sentence. Highly reccomend this one 💚💛🧡❤💙🖤💜
Let the other books come. Can't wait for it!
January 27, 2025
Una serie che si conferma originale e inclusiva, nel raccontare le storie di persone con disabilità che trovano l'amore. Questa volta abbiamo anche un problema di culture diverse, visto che Amit è musulmano, cresciuto in una famiglia abbastanza tradizionalista e Miguel, con un padre menefreghista ed egoista, rimasto vittima a causa sua di un incendio che gli ha lasciato problemi fisici e non solo. Non è il migliore della serie, è comunque una lettura piacevole, anche se alcune cose sono state magari trattate velocemente.
December 12, 2019
Unexpected Ending
First off, I like Miguel and Amit. They made a nice couple. Throwing a child into the mix without warning usually bothers me. Authors often do it to make the story more interesting especially if the plot is boring AF. While I still don’t like that bomb dropped in more than halfway through the book, I was surprised Miguel agreed to sign away his parental rights. That never happens in books. Never. However, it made sense in this one. Miguel did it for completely unselfish reasons and that was admirable.
First off, I like Miguel and Amit. They made a nice couple. Throwing a child into the mix without warning usually bothers me. Authors often do it to make the story more interesting especially if the plot is boring AF. While I still don’t like that bomb dropped in more than halfway through the book, I was surprised Miguel agreed to sign away his parental rights. That never happens in books. Never. However, it made sense in this one. Miguel did it for completely unselfish reasons and that was admirable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2022
I really enjoy this series and I really enjoyed the two protagonist in this installment. Lindsay right now is at a point where the stories are cohesive with just enough difference in each of the books to keep this reader engaged. Color me happy.
November 5, 2019
Good story
Enjoyed the dynamics between Amir and Miguel. got to look into the hearing and non hearing world. Have fun .
Enjoyed the dynamics between Amir and Miguel. got to look into the hearing and non hearing world. Have fun .
January 22, 2020
3.75 stars
Want to read
April 9, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/9/2021)! 🎁
November 25, 2022
3.5 stars
I absolutely loved Amit from his femme aspects to his story arc involving his family. However where my love of Miguel started strong and I enjoyed all the bonding he did with the members of the tattoo shop, I found his backstory and his story arc underwhelming. Also the miscommunication between Amit and Miguel was the worst.
I absolutely loved Amit from his femme aspects to his story arc involving his family. However where my love of Miguel started strong and I enjoyed all the bonding he did with the members of the tattoo shop, I found his backstory and his story arc underwhelming. Also the miscommunication between Amit and Miguel was the worst.
November 4, 2019
Very good story. One of the better ones of the series. A little broken up towards the ned but overall a very good read. Amit and Miguel work really well together.
January 27, 2020
Amit and Miguel a great way to wrap up the series!! So many feels ❤
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